David M. Gustafson

Chair of Evangelism and Missional Ministry & Professor of Evangelism and Missional Ministry

Dr. Gustafson served twenty-five years in ministry, first as campus director with Cru at Fresno State University in California, and then as pastor in two Evangelical Free churches in the Great Lakes District. Prior to Trinity, he taught courses in Christianity at the University of Houston and courses in practical ministries at Houston Graduate School of Theology.

Dr. Gustafson’s areas of expertise include evangelism, Evangelical Free Church history, and missional praxis. He is book review editor of Witness: Journal of the Academy for Evangelism in Theological Education. He is an ordained minister of the Evangelical Free Church of America and serves on its Board of Ministerial Standing. He is an affiliate docent at Johannelund School of Theology in Uppsala, Sweden, and a contributing author in evangelism to the International Alliance for Christian Education.

He and his wife, Sharon, have four children, and he enjoys bicycling, backpacking, and cooking stir-fry.

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Education

Publications

Gospel Witness: Evangelism in Word and Deed (Eerdmans, 2019)

Gospel Witness through the Ages: A History of Evangelism (Eerdmans, 2022)

Revising Pentecostal History: Scandinavian-American Contributions to the Development of Pentecostalism, edited with Rakel Ystebø Alegre and Torbjörn Aronson (Wipf & Stock, 2024)

Evangelical Heritage: From Immigrants to a Church of All People—The Story of the Evangelical Free Church of America (Free Church Publications, 2025)

Books by Dr. Gustafson

Study with Dr. Gustafson

76 CR.

Advanced PlacementMaster of Divinity

ABOUT

If you’re graduating with a ministry degree from an accredited Bible college or Christian liberal arts school, you may qualify for our Advanced Placement MDiv (AP MDiv). This program reduces the overall number of hours you’ll need to graduate with an MDiv while also allowing you to take additional advanced electives in areas that you’re passionate about.

COURSEWORK

90 CR.

MDIVMaster of Divinity

ABOUT

Gain pastoral leadership skills through the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). Our MDiv degree program has the rigorous academic courses and spiritual support you need for your calling in Christian ministry or academia. Join a diverse student body and learn within the context of a broadly evangelical ethos.

COURSEWORK

Curriculum Breakdown:

  • Introduction to Theological Education: 2 hours
  • God’s Word: 36 hours
  • God’s People: 22 hours
  • God’s World: 12 hours
  • Electives: 4 hours

Track Options (Chose one)

  • Church & Parachurch Ministry: 14 hours
  • Academic Ministry: 14 hours
  • Mission and Cultural Engagement: 14 hours
42 CR.

Master of Arts inTheological Studies

ABOUT

Pursue an in-depth understanding of theology and its relevance to today’s world with a master’s degree in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). Apply your knowledge to your vocation, ministry, volunteer work, family life, and more through our distinguished and flexible program. The Master of Arts (MA) in Theological Studies degree is TEDS’ most flexible program both in focus and delivery method. Choose your area of study based on your interests and experience. In addition, you can earn your degree through multiple delivery modalities, including completely online. See how a theology degree can transform your life by enrolling at TEDS.

COURSEWORK

FEATURED COURSES

  • Introduction to the New Testament 1
  • Introduction to the Old Testament 1
  • Introduction to Biblical Theology
  • Theology 1: The God of the Gospel: From the Father
  • Church History 1: The Patristic and Middle Ages
  • Theology of Mission & Evangelism

TRACKS

  • Cross-Cultural Ministry Track
  • Executive Leadership Track
  • Preaching Ministry Track
  • Ministry Care Track
60 CR.

Doctor of Philosophy Intercultural Studies

ABOUT

Develop the ministry and research skills of leaders involved in a wide variety of missional, cross-cultural, and educational ministries. Focus is upon deepening our understanding of human diversity, contextual realities, and cultural change in ways that inform redemptive, gospel-centered ministry in the contemporary world.

COURSEWORK

24 CR.

ThMMaster of Theology

ABOUT

The Master of Theology (ThM) program is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in theological research, critical analysis, and ministry practice. Students focus on a particular discipline as well as taking a variety of courses across the curriculum to encourage integrative thinking and preparation for further ministry or academic study.

COURSEWORK

  • Concentration Core: 20 hours
  • Capstone: 4 hours
12 CR.

Certificate in Leadership in Missions

ABOUT

By studying the theology and history of evangelism and missions around the world you will gain a strong foundation of anthropology, discipleship practices and practical evangelism methods which will enrich your ministry abilities both in the United States and around the world. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance their ministry capabilities, both in the United States and internationally. Through an exploration of theological foundations and historical precedents, you can develop a strong foundation that empowers them to engage in meaningful cross-cultural interactions and effectively share the message of their faith, making a positive impact in diverse communities globally.

COURSEWORK

Featured Courses

  • Theology of Mission & Evangelism
  • Global Mission and the Local Church
  • Evangelism and the Local Church
  • History of the Expansion of Christianity
  • Anthropology for Ministry
  • World Religions
  • Missional Church